Almond Cookies

One of the cookies I make for Christmas. This is a recipe that comes from Holland, birthplace of my parents.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Yields: 60 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter, softened
• 2  cups  packed brown sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• 3 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  egg white, beaten
• 1⁄2 cup  whole  blanched almonds or 1⁄2 cup  slivered almonds

• FILLING

• 1⁄4 cup  ground almonds
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  egg yolk
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  almond extract

Directions

1. COOKIE DOUGH:
2. Cream butter with sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and almond extract.
4. Stir together flour, salt, baking soda and powder; gradually stir into creamed mixture until well blended.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
6. FILLING:
7. Meanwhile, mix together filling ingredients until smooth.
8. ASSEMBLY:
9. Using hands, roll heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls.
10. With finger, make indentation in centre of each; stuff with about 1/4 teaspoons filling. Pinch off dime-sized piece of dough; press over filling to cover.
11. Reroll in palms to seal and smooth edges.
12. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Brush tops with egg white; press almond lightly into each.
13. Bake in 325oF oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden.
14. Let cool on racks. Makes about 5 dozen.